Missing Israeli Soldier Hadar Goldin Is Dead, Military Says

The missing Israeli soldier who had been feared captured is dead, the military said Saturday, a day after the Israel Defense Forces said it believed he was "kidnapped" and dragged into a tunnel by militants.

Hadar Goldin, 23, was reported missing after an ambush by militants Friday morning that left two other IDF soldiers dead. The military said then it believed militants abducted Goldin and “dragged him into a tunnel.” Hamas’ military wing later said that Goldin was killed along with the militants who may have captured him during an Israeli bombardment.

In announcing the death Saturday, the IDF only said Goldin was "killed in combat" Friday. Military officials and the military's chief rabbi informed the family moments before the announcement was made.

The violence and alleged capture occurred less than two hours after a 72-hour cease-fire was set to go in effect. More than 1,700 Palestinians have been killed, including 112 who died Saturday, in the conflict that began July 8. Israel has lost 64 soldiers and 3 civilians in the fighting.